Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
Not blaming BT for anything but I'm not convinced it should take 5 years to get back to the playoffs in a salary cap league. 8 of 14 teams make it in the west.
His two big acquisitions last year, Hamilton and Frolik played well in stretches but overall I would say their impact on the team was disappointing. I don't believe that was BT's fault. There will be growing pains with a new coach but it's fair to expect improvement and hopefully a playoff spot.
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Starting from scratch it should only take 5 years to get back? Look at where the Flames were in 2013. They traded Iginla for a late first and 2 garbage prospects that were not even in the Pens top 10. They then make a horrible Bouwmeester trade when he had 1.5 years left on his deal for a 26 year old euro goalie, career AHL Dman and a protected first rounder.
When the lockout shortened 2013 season ended it looked like a long road back to being a good team and we could only hope that Ekblad or McDavid were going to be ours.
Luckily for the Flames Sean Monahan turned into an amazing 6th overall pick and made an immediate impact. Where the Flames really were able to accelerate things was the development of Brodie and huge leap from Gio. Gio gets the C and goes from solid top 4 to bona fide number 1. Brodie quickly ascends to the top tier of defensemen as well. Having Gaudreau go from a risky 4th rounder to blue chip prospect also helped out immensely.
Enter year 2 the Flames were able to draft Sam Bennett at number 4. Gaudreau makes the team and goes off for 64pts. Monahan takes a huge leap to be a 30 goal guy. Gio and Brodie are considered a top 3-5 D pairing in the league. 2012 UFA signings Hudler and Wideman have insanely good seasons combining for over 130pts. Other young players like Jooris, Ferland, and Bouma all step up. Here we are a little more than 2 years after trading Iggy, Bouw and losing Kipper to retirement and the Flames are back in the playoffs.
That unexpected run gave the fans hope but many peeled back a layer and knew the Flames had a lot of luck in 2015. Itnisnpretty rare when a team out scores opponents when their goalie is pulled but the Flames did it and won a lot of games where they looked down and out. Treliving knew this and he had the difficult task of trying to build from the previous year but also concern himself with the long term. He pulls off an incredible heist from Boston. The morning of the draft the rumors circulated the Bruins were shopping Hamilton for the 3rd pick a trade that made some sense. At the end of the day the Bruins take the 15th, 45th, and 52nd picks in the draft. Calgary is declared the winner immediately and even moreso when Hamilton signs what many consider a very good contract. Treliving goes UFA hunting and signs a 27 year old all around player in Frolik. Both these players help the team get better right away but also fit in the long term plans. Injuries slowed Frolik who came as advertised. He was a .5ppg winger who would play a responsible 2 way game and play on your PK. Hamilton also was as expected which is a pleasant surprise because the first 25 games of his flames career were nothing short of a train wreck. In July if you told me Hamilton would end the season plying top 4 and have 12 goals and 43pts I take that all day.
I think the Flames are lucky to be entering the 4th summer of their rebuild with the core they have in place. Not many teams have this many pieces at their disposal when they tear it down. Credit Sutter for drafting Brodie, Backlund and signing Gio. Credit Feaster for getting Monahan and Gaudreau. Give Treliving credit for drafting Bennett and trading for Hamilton.
Many in the hockey world saw a long ugly rebuild in Calgary once the decision was made to turn the page on the Iginla/Kipper era. They got pennies for Iggy and Bouw and nothing for Kipper. 3 years later the team is considered to be one on the rise, with an exciting core, and an unexpected playoff run under their belt.
